Page 416 of 528

Black plate (66,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
When rotating P235/50R17 size tires or
255/45ZR18 size tires, always use the correct
rotation pattern shown here.
If the vehicle has a compact spare tire, do not
include the compact spare tire in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure
on page 6‑58and Loading the Vehicleon
page 5‑23
.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑62. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 6‑128.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
Changing a Flat Tire
on page 6‑94.
Lightly coat the center of the wheel hub with
wheel bearing grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust build-up. Do
not get grease on the flat wheel mounting surface
or on the wheel nuts or bolts.
6-66
Page 424 of 528

Black plate (74,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Chains
{WARNING:
If your vehicle has P255/45R17, P255/45ZR18,
or 255/45ZR18 size tires, do not use tire chains,
as there is not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts. The
area damaged by the tire chains could cause you
to lose control of the vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust, or remove the device if it is
contacting the vehicle, and do not spin the
vehicle's wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the rear tires only.Notice:
If your vehicle has P235/50R17 size tires,
use tire chains only where legal and only when you
must. Use only SAE Class S‐type chains that are the
proper size for your tires. Install them on the rear
tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the
ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions. If you can hear
the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues, slow down
until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your vehicle's tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here are
a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop, well off the road, if possible.
6-74
Page 435 of 528
Black plate (85,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
To install a new sealant canister:1. Align the sealant/air hose (G) with the slot in the air compressor.
2. Push the sealant canister (B) down and turn it clockwise.
3. Wrap the sealant/air hose (G) around the air compressor channel to stow it in its original
location.
4. Push the air compressor inflator hose (F) onto the sealant canister inlet and push the lever down.Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
(With Selector Switch)
System Identification
If the vehicle has the tire sealant and compressor kit
shown above, see the operating instructions that follow.
6-85
Page 446 of 528
Black plate (96,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you will need is located in the trunk. To
access to the compact spare tire and jacking
equipment:1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
on page 3‑15for more
information.
2. Remove the compact spare tire cover.
3. Pull the stow rod (A) to remove it.
4. Turn the nut (B) holding the jack package container counterclockwise and remove it. Then remove the
jack and wheel wrench.
5. Remove the compact spare tire. See Compact
Spare Tire
on page 6‑105for more information
about the compact spare tire.
6-96
Page 451 of 528
Black plate (101,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
WARNING: (Continued)
to the vehicle. In an emergency, use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all the
rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on
page 6‑94
.
{WARNING:
Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because
the nuts might come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
10. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces, and
spare wheel.
11. Install the spare tire.
12. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel.
13. Tighten each wheel nut by turning it clockwise with your hand until the wheel is held against the hub.
6-101
Page 454 of 528
Black plate (104,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Compact Spare Tire and Tools
Use the following diagram as a guide for storing the
compact spare tire and tools in the trunk:
A. Compact SpareTire Cover
B. Stow Rod Cap
C. Plastic Wing Nut
D. Retainer E. Jack Container Package
(With Wheel Wrench
and Jack)
F. Compact Spare Tire
G. Foam Support H. Bolt 1. Open the trunk. See
Trunk on page 3‑15.
2. Make sure the foam support (G) is in place in the trunk area.
3. Reinstall the compact spare tire (F) making sure to line up the wheel center hole with the bolt (H) and
place on the compartment floor.
4. Insert the jack container (E) with wheel wrench and jack into the center of the compact spare tire
making sure to line up the wheel nut hole with the
bolt (H) on the compartment floor.
5. Secure the tire and wheel with the retainer (D) and wing nut (C).
6. Cover the exposed bolt with the stow rod cap (B).
7. Reinstall the compact spare tire cover (A).
6-104
Page 457 of 528

Black plate (107,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Do not clean the vehicle using:
.A knife or any other sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
.A stiff brush. It can cause damage to the vehicle's
interior surfaces.
.Heavy pressure or aggressive rubbing with a
cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure can damage
the interior and does not improve the effectiveness
of soil removal.
.Laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue that streaks and
attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops per
gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide. Use only
mild, neutral-pH soaps.
.Too much cleaner that saturates the upholstery.
.Organic solvents such as naptha, alcohol, etc. that
can damage the vehicle's interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be
used on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats. For any
soil, always try to remove it first with plain water or club
soda. Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the
soil as possible using one of the following techniques:
.For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the paper
towel until no more can be removed.
.For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.
To clean: 1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning process that
was used with plain water.
6-107
Page 458 of 528

Black plate (108,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner
or spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness first. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression that a ring formation
may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
Leather
Leather, and lighter colored leather in particular, will
need more frequent cleaning to prevent the buildup of
dust, dirt, and colors transferred from other items so
that these do not become permanent stains.
To remove dust, a soft cloth dampened with water can
be used. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a
soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be
used. Your dealer has a GM approved leather cleaner
available that provides superior cleaning performance
when used regularly on finished automotive leathers.
Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use heat,
steam, spot lifters or spot removers, or shoe polish on
leather. Many commercial leather cleaners and coatings
that are sold to preserve and protect leather may
permanently change the appearance and feel of theleather and are not recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean the vehicle's interior because they can
alter the appearance by increasing the gloss in a
non-uniform manner
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a clean soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use
spot lifters or removers on plastic surfaces. Many
commercial cleaners and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect soft plastic surfaces may
permanently change the appearance and feel of the
interior and are not recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean the vehicle's interior because they
can alter the appearance by increasing the gloss in a
non-uniform manner.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on the
instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause
annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it
difficult to see through the windshield under certain
conditions.
6-108